MESA, Ariz. — Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs’ No. 2 starter, had his best feel of the spring on his signature changeup, helping lead to seven strikeouts among the 12 outs he recorded against the White Sox in a Cactus League game that finished in a 4-4 tie Saturday at Sloan Park.

The Cubs, who were to play a second split-squad game Saturday night against the Dodgers in Glendale, Arizona, tied the game when minor-leaguer Cael Brockmeyer homered leading off the bottom of the ninth — a half-inning after former Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez returned from a knee injury to deliver a go-ahead, pinch-hit, two-run homer off Cory Mazzoni.

More important was Hendricks’ performance, especially when it came to the changeup.

Hendricks

“That’s the thing that really hasn’t been up to par [this spring],” said Hendricks, who pitched one batter into the fifth and gave up two runs – one of which scored after he left the game. “I threw a couple of really good ones today and had good velo difference between my fastball.”

Hendricks gave up five hits and didn’t walk a batter.

“I’m not pitching for strikeouts, so going forward I need to work on that second-pitch contact and getting a few quick outs,” he said. “Other than that, at least I’m making good pitches at this point.”